Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bend public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues in taxes budget
Fiscal Policy Updates
Staff proposed tweaks to the city's fiscal rulebook, including spending 20% of street preservation money on bike/pedestrian/safety projects and letting the City Manager approve new positions rather than the council. Councilors want clearer target language and deeper budget conversations.
Prevailing wage and BURA housing subsidies
Union carpenters blasted BURA for structuring housing subsidies to avoid prevailing wage; a BOLI ruling changed the math and staff proposed front-loading assistance to keep four projects alive.
Core Area SDC exemption to spur redevelopment
Council is converging on a five-year exemption from system development charges for adaptive reuse projects in the Core Area, with an ordinance due September 16. It's aimed at filling empty downtown-adjacent buildings, but Councilor Riley warns it could create future infrastructure funding gaps.
Bend Central District Economic Improvement District assessments rejected
Following a remonstrance hearing where more than 33% opposed, council began repealing the Bend Central District EID, ending the district's assessment program.
Vacancy tax exploration
A resident urged the city or county to charge a fee on Bend's roughly 5,000 vacant or second homes, calling them an economic drain on neighborhoods. No council action was taken.
New council meeting schedule
Staff surveyed councilors and proposed one longer monthly work session with better materials, aiming for changes by late summer 2026.
Business license fee increase paused
The 10% business license fee increase is on hold until January 2027 so the city can rework the fee structure, costing the city about $22,500. A coffee shop owner said fee increases were nearly driving her business to Redmond.
Transient lodging tax reallocation under HB 4148
The state legislature gave cities more flexibility on lodging tax dollars (now 50/50 instead of 70/30), kept $207 million in shelter funding intact, and passed housing bills on urban reserves and neighborhood commercial protection. Bend will discuss how to use its new lodging tax flexibility at a May work session.
Mountain Laurel Lodge tax exemption
The renewal exemption keeps rents affordable for seniors at 990 SW Yates Drive — roughly $35 a month per unit from the city's share alone.
$9.5 Million Bond Issuance and Water Bond Refunding
Council locked in financing for public works campus closeout, the air traffic control tower match, streets equipment and core area urban renewal projects, plus a water bond refinancing saving $300,000-400,000 a year.
Juniper Ridge land sale proceeds allocation
The city has $10 million from selling Juniper Ridge land and council is deciding how to spend roughly half of it — on street safety, shelters, homeless services, housing loans, and small business grants. Councilors also flagged holding some back for a managed camp and future housing needs.
Airport and facilities funding gaps
The airport can't cover its costs — a gap that started at $300,000 and grew with surprise technology costs — and city hall, police, and fire facilities all need space or repairs. These are flagged as future asks, not today's decisions.
Neighborhood district liability insurance lapse
Council learned that Bend's neighborhood associations have been paying insurance deductions from their city grants since 2018 — without actually having coverage. Akin Butte chair Mark Gentle asked the city to fix the problem for all thirteen districts.
2026 State Legislative Priorities
The council's Salem agenda puts lodging tax flexibility and shelter funding first, with amendments on complete communities, the 50/30/20 highway fund split, wildfire insurance discounts, and energy reliability.